Calif. Congresswoman Laura Richardson Says Foreclosure Was 'Improper'

WASHINGTON – California Congresswoman Laura Richardson claims the foreclosure auction of her Sacramento house was improper and contrary to a written agreement she had with her lender.

In a lengthy interview with The Associated Press on Friday, the Southern California Democrat struck back against several days of negative publicity over reports she defaulted on her mortgage. Her house was sold at auction earlier this month.

Richardson said that sale never should have happened and that she has renegotiated her loan to pay it off.

She insisted that she is not getting special terms because she's a congresswoman.

In fact, Richardson said the experience has allowed her to relate to the thousands of other Americans — including many in her Los Angeles-area district — confronted with foreclosures. She even wants to testify before Congress about it.